Avila Perspective, Chap. 198: Teofimo Lopez and More

When you take a look at Teofimo Lopez in the prize ring its easy to determine that he possesses athleticism that few can rival. The speed, power, stamina are his to command and he drips with confidence.

Sometimes that turns off fans.

The uber athletic Lopez (16-1, 12 KOs) jumps back in the prize ring, this time at super lightweight and faces Mexico’s Pedro Campa (34-1-1, 23 KOs) on Saturday, Aug. 13, in Las Vegas at Resorts World. ESPN will show the Top Rank card.

“It’s the takeover, the take back, whatever you want to call it,” says Lopez, 25.

It’s Lopez’s first fight since his upset loss to George Kambosos Jr. last November in New York City. It’s one thing to lose a decision out-of-town, its another to lose in your hometown.

Maybe it was a case of the rival boroughs?

Brooklyn-raised Lopez sauntered into Madison Square Garden with a swag worthy of Rick James, then walked out as mystified as pitcher Pedro Martinez after another Yankee shellacking. Boxing can be like that sometimes.

Though both fighters in the lightweight title clash traded knockdowns and it seemed Lopez was on his way to victory, the judges scored in favor of the Aussie and many fans agreed. It was a costly loss. Now Lopez returns at a heavier weight and ready to “take over.”

Las Vegas

Mexico’s Campa has the height advantage and has plenty of experience against other sturdy Mexicans. This is only the second time he laces up outside of Mexico and even then, he fought a fellow countryman. But he packs power.

“He’s a Mexican veteran. 23 knockouts. Mexican style. Comes forward to fight and it’s all about connect when I need it,” said Lopez about his foe on Saturday.

The Brooklyn native feels confident and ready to regain his place at the top of the summit.

“It’s hard to be humble when you are as great as I am,” he says.

Despite the loss last year, Lopez has no doubt he can reload and defeat any of the champions or contenders at super lightweight. He doubts they will accept the challenge.

“All those boys don’t want it. I even called out Tank,” said Lopez claiming that promoter Floyd Mayweather is protecting Gervonta Davis.

In this fight Lopez expects a sturdy test from Campa.

“You are going to see the fruits of my labor and how the doors open up after this,” he said.

Campa hears and reads all the talk on the Internet and enlisted the help of famed trainer Manny Robles for this fight.

“I really don’t care what people think. I know what I’m facing too. He’s a great fighter one of the best,” said Campa. “So, I’m just concentrating and I think I’m going to win. I’m just very prepared about this fight.”

Former champion Lopez expects no less than a battle.

“This guy is in front of us wants to stop my dreams. Every time we step in the ring, I’m risking my life. We double down, every time,” said Lopez at the press conference on Thursday. “This is going to be an all-out war and I love that.”

Lopez is reloading.

Other Bouts

Puerto Rican super welterweight bomber Xander Zayas (13-0, 9 KOs) meets Mexican tough guy Elias Espadas (22-4, 15 KOs) who has never been knocked out in an eight round bout for the vacant NABO junior middleweight title.

“I’m anxious fighting for my first regional title,” said Zayas, 19, at media day in Las Vegas. “I’m excited to be on this card with Teofimo and all the prospects.”

Local prospect Andres Cortes (17-0, 10 KOs) fights Mexico’s Abraham Montoya (20-3-1, 14 KOs) in a lightweight match set for eight rounds. Cortes has three consecutive knockout wins. Montoya has never been stopped.

Light heavyweight clash looms

A potential championship fight between current WBA light heavyweight titlist Dmitry Bivol and Mexico’s Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez was announced Wednesday by Golden Boy Promotions after the WBA stamped the Mexican as a legitimate mandatory.

“We find the ruling fair and honest considering Zurdo Ramirez has fought two elimination bouts and has been the number one contender for this fight since his victory against Sullivan Barrera in 2021. We will continue to work hard to support Ramirez as he campaigns to one day become a two-division world champion,” stated Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya on Wednesday.

Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) recently defeated Saul “Canelo” Alvarez this past May in Las Vegas and has held the WBA title since 2017 after defeating Sullivan Barrera. The Russian fighter has defended it seven times since.

Mexico’s Ramirez (44-0, 30 KOs) formerly held the WBO super middleweight title and defended it six times since 2016. He has five fights under his belt since moving up to the light heavyweight class.

Top Rank in SD

Next week, Top Rank returns to San Diego, CA., with WBO featherweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete defending once again at Pechanga Arena on Saturday, Aug. 20. This time the Mexican warrior known as “El Vaquero” fights fellow Mexican Eduardo Baez of Mexicali.

It’s a loaded fight card also featuring welterweight contender Giovani Santillan, Lindolfo Delgado, and Nico Ali Walsh the grandson of the late great Muhammad Ali.

Tickets are on sale.

Fights to Watch

Saturday, ESPN+ 3:35 p.m. Jose Durantes (21-2) vs Edy Mercado (19-7-6)

Saturday, ESPN 7 p.m. Teofimo Lopez (16-1) vs Pedro Campa (34-1-1).

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